The Importance of Social Connection

US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy discusses his new advisory on loneliness and the impact isolation can have on physical health.

Loneliness is how we feel when we don’t have the level of connection we need. It’s a subjective feeling that can look different for each person. In the short term, it may motivate us to reconnect socially, but experiencing chronic loneliness can be harmful for our health.

So many people have felt ashamed of their struggles with loneliness and isolation and have suffered in silence. Social connection is an important determinant of community well-being and is associated with improved population health, community resilience, safety, and economic prosperity.

What if there is something in our everyday lives that can transform our whole health and well-being?

Dr. Murthy’s new advisory highlights the destructive effects of loneliness across the country and the detrimental health impacts on individuals and communities.

Key Takeaways

Humans are wired for social connection, but we’ve become more isolated over time. Social connection is as essential to our long-term survival as food and water. But today, loneliness is more widespread than other major health issues in the US. Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation is a major public health concern.

Social connection significantly improves the health and well-being of all individuals. Social connection reduces the risk of premature mortality. It can predict better physical and mental health outcomes and ease stress. Higher levels of connection can influence health-related behaviors. Connection can even impact educational and economic achievement.

Social connection is vital to community health and success. Socially connected communities enjoy better population-level health. They are more prepared for—and resilient in the face of—disaster situations. They also experience greater economic prosperity and reduced levels of crime and violence.

Together, we can advance social connection and improve our nation’s public health. Fostering social connection requires that we each commit to our relationships and communities. Our actions today can create sustainable changes to society and bring better health to all.

Learn about the role you can play in addressing loneliness by visiting Surgeongeneral.gov/loneliness.